Eurobodalla family defends teen fired over same-sex marriage post

The family of a Eurobodalla teen fired after a Facebook post supporting a “no” vote in the marriage equality survey has defended her.

Christian Madeline Woods, 18, was hired as a contractor and worked just two shifts for Capital Kids Parties in Canberra before she was “let go” on Sunday.

Madeline had updated her Facebook profile picture two weeks ago with a filter designed by the Coalition of Marriage that said “It’s OK to VOTE NO”.

Her employer, Capital Kids Parties’ owner, Madlin Sims, wrote her a private Facebook message on Sunday saying that “homophobic views being made public are detrimental to the business and don’t align with my personal values or morals as the owner of the business”.

Now, Ms Woods’ mother, Jodie Woods, has taken to social media to defend her daughter.

“She is strong in her convictions and believes in traditional marriage,” Mrs Woods said.

“She by no means hates gay people and never started this whirlwind with the media.

“We have the right to choose and, no matter what you decide, your view should be respected.”

Mrs Woods finished her post with a series of hashtags, including one referencing the Christian martyr Esther John: #myesther #standstrong #notahomophobe #proudfher

Madeline’s brother Elijah also backed his sister on social media.

“My sister is certainly no homophobe and she definitely didn't deserve to lose a source of income over her own convictions, which she never used to abuse or mistreat anyone, nor would she ever,” Elijah said.

“Let’s start seeing beyond yes and no to how humanity is deeper than sexual orientations.

“It's so much more important to be able to be able to coexist with people of different opinions, than to suppress/oppress those opinions and create disharmony.

“Lets see this as an example for both sides of the argument on what not to do when faced with a different opinion.”

Elijah finished with the hashtag #opendiscussionnotclosedthinking